PicsArt vs Canva: Which Design Tool is Better?

Introduction

When it comes to photo editing and graphic design, PicsArt and Canva are two of the most popular tools. Both platforms offer creative options for beginners and professionals. But which one is better for you? In this article, we’ll compare PicsArt vs Canva based on their features, usage, pros, cons, and more.

What is PicsArt?

PicsArt is a creative photo and video editing app. It is widely used for editing selfies, creating aesthetic designs, adding filters, drawing, and applying effects. You can use it on both mobile and PC. PicsArt is ideal for people who love visual creativity and artistic edits.

What is Canva?

Canva is a graphic design platform mostly used for creating social media posts, presentations, posters, resumes, and marketing materials. Canva is cloud-based, which means you can access it from any device using a browser. It also has a mobile app for quick editing on the go.

Key Differences Between PicsArt and Canva

Let’s explore the main differences between PicsArt and Canva in different areas.

Main Purpose

• PicsArt is more focused on photo editing, artistic effects, and filters

• Canva is mainly used for designing layouts, templates, and professional graphics

User Interface

• PicsArt has a colorful and artistic interface, good for creative freedom

• Canva offers a clean, drag-and-drop layout, easy for beginners and professionals

Editing Tools

• PicsArt has powerful tools like background removal, cloning, drawing, beautifying, and AI effects

• Canva has design-based tools like templates, brand kits, charts, and document layouts

Templates and Assets

• Canva offers thousands of ready-to-use templates for Instagram, Facebook, business cards, and more

• PicsArt offers stickers, filters, collage makers, and artistic elements for fun photo edits

Collaboration

• Canva allows real-time collaboration, perfect for teams

• PicsArt is more personal, focused on individual editing rather than teamwork

Platforms

• Canva works on browsers (Windows, Mac) and mobile apps (iOS, Android)

• PicsArt works best on mobile apps, with PC and web options available

Video Editing

• PicsArt has a basic video editor with fun effects and music

• Canva also supports video editing with templates, animation, and transitions

Pricing

• PicsArt has a free version with limited tools and a Gold plan for premium features

• Canva has a free plan and a Pro plan that unlocks advanced templates, brand kits, and premium assets

Pros and Cons of PicsArt

Pros

• Great for photo editing and artistic work

• Offers a variety of filters and effects

• Built-in collage maker and drawing tools

• User-friendly mobile app

Cons

• Limited design templates for professional use

• Some features only available in paid version

• Not ideal for team collaboration

Pros and Cons of Canva

Pros

• Thousands of professional templates

• Ideal for business, school, and marketing designs

• Easy drag-and-drop interface

• Real-time team collaboration

Cons

• Less control over detailed photo edits

• Creative freedom is limited compared to photo editors

• Some stock elements are locked in the free plan

Which One is Best for You?

Choose PicsArt if:

• You are more into photo editing, visual creativity, and aesthetic edits

• You like using stickers, effects, and drawing tools

• You want a powerful photo editor for mobile or casual PC use

Choose Canva if:

• You need to create presentations, social media designs, business cards, resumes, or other formal graphics

• You work in a team or business setup and need to share your designs easily

• You prefer a professional, drag-and-drop design platform

Use Cases: PicsArt vs Canva

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is PicsArt better than Canva for beginners?
Both are beginner-friendly, but Canva is easier for layout-based designs while PicsArt is better for editing photos creatively.

Q2: Can I use both Canva and PicsArt together?
Yes, many users edit photos in PicsArt and then import them into Canva to create designs like posters or social media ads.

Q3: Is PicsArt free to use?
Yes, there’s a free version. But premium tools like AI effects and HD downloads are available in the PicsArt Gold version.

Q4: Does Canva allow photo editing like PicsArt?
Canva has basic photo editing tools but not as powerful or artistic as PicsArt’s editing options.

Q5: Which tool is better for social media marketing?
Canva is better for business-style social media content, while PicsArt is good for fun and visually engaging posts.

Final Verdict

PicsArt and Canva serve different purposes, so your choice depends on what you need. If your goal is to edit images artistically, then PicsArt is the right pick. But if you want to design professional content like flyers, resumes, and marketing posts, then Canva is the best choice. Many creators use both tools together for the best results.